Friday, September 28, 2007

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 6, 2006) – Young, out-of-school artists funded by United Nation Children's Fund (UNICEF) through the provincial social welfare office pose with mentor, Emily Jontilano (standing, right), while holding their art works of acrylics exhibited at the capitol lobby as "Art for Peace" from December 6-8. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

ALABEL, Sarangani (December 2, 2006) – Maitum Mayor George Yabes' widow, Rosita (right), shows the citation of Maitum as Most Business-Friendly LGU in Sarangani during the provincial foundation anniversary celebration on November 27. It was the last entry signed by Mayor Yabes before he was shot by hired killers on November 11. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/ATS)

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 2, 2006) – Maitum has been adjudged as the most business-friendly municipal local government unit in the province.

The Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (SCCIF) said in its citation that "the municipality has provided an environment that nurtures the progress and dynamism of its local enterprises and industries resulting to gainful economic use of its natural resources and job generation."

SCCIF evaluated the municipalities based on business regulation, competitiveness and innovative practices.

Maitum's nomination paper was the last entry signed by Mayor George Yabes before he was shot by hired killers on November 11.

The foundation also honored Mayor Yabes with a posthumous award "for his selfless dedication, exemplary leadership and dedicated services which he has demonstrated with high degree of conduct and professionalism as founding president of SCCIF."

Both awards were received by Rosita Yabes and Vice Mayor Tito Balazon on November 27, Sarangani's culmination of its 14th Foundation Anniversary.

Mayor Yabes, who was completing his third term in office, turned Maitum into an award-winning town that excelled in promoting child rights, maternal health care, environmental protection and educational tourism.

Under his watch, civil society actively participated in planning, decision-making and implementation of projects and programs.

Infrastructure projects in Maitum were done by administration to generate jobs and savings, instead of hiring contractors usually associated with kickbacks.

Mayor Yabes built the new P18-million Municipal Hall with three wings now completed, except for the atrium where his final wake was held.

A modern Bagsakan Public Market complex for farmers and fishermen was fast-developing with P11 million already put in its construction.

These major projects and awards reaped had changed Maitum's landscape from dull to a vibrant community.

A climate of fear took over Maitum when Mayor Yabes was killed. Illegal loggers have resumed hauling timber during wee hours, said residents who spoke on condition that they not be identified because of fear of reprisals. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MAITUM, Sarangani (December 2, 2006) – Maitum residents have started a signature campaign addressed to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the speedy solution of the murder of Mayor George Yabes.

In a petition-letter signed in a prayer rally Friday, the petitioners asked the President "to direct the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of Justice to speed up the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators; uphold the rule of law and deliver the justice we all deserve."

This meant the call for President Arroyo was to assign the National Bureau of Investigation and state prosecutors to handle the case on top of police investigators and local prosecutors.

Friday's rally at the Catholic school Notre Dame of Maitum also kicks off a series of prayer rallies every Friday, 4 to 5 o'clock in the afternoon, in different venues.

Planned for the next rally was at the municipal gym, then to schools, public markets and churches.

Mayor Yabes, a devout Catholic and well-loved leader for his good governance style, was shot at close range on November 11 by motorcycle-riding gunmen.

The petition-letter covers province-wide through the Municipal Mayors League, where Mayor Yabes was a respected secretary-general and adviser.

Signatories were asked to endorse their signed letters to Region 12 Presidential Assistant Victorio Sexcion.

"We the people, children and friends of Maitum join the Yabes Family in seeking speedy justice for our beloved Mayor George Y. Yabes," the petitioners said.

They described the murder of Mayor Yabes, a "strong pillar of good governance," as "tantamount to taking from us a positive future."

The petitioners said the mayor's slaying was "unjust and most evil attack on our peaceful town, and the rest of Sarangani Province , by taking the life of our good leader and father of our community." ."We cannot allow dark forces to destroy Maitum which is now under a cloud of fear," the petitioners said.

They condemned "our Mayor's killers and masterminds whose obvious motivations are to sow fear so that they can do their illegal activities for their personal interests."

"They may have silenced Mayor Yabes with bullets but his voice still rings in the wilderness – a voice that calls for justice. Let his voice be our voice," said the petitioners. Below the petition paper were spaces where petitioners who "stand united to seek justice" can sign and write their statements. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 28, 2007) – Sarangani mayors consult with Secretary Domingo Panganiban (2nd, right) of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) during the day-long briefing for local officials Thursday, September 27, on the implementation of the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) as Governor Migs Dominguez (extreme right) looks on. All of Sarangani's seven mayors were present, among them (from left) are Jojo Lopez of Maasim, Reynaldo Constantino of Malungon, Corazon Grafilo of Alabel, Aida Singcoy of Malapatan, and Elsie Perrett of Maitum. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/ATS)

ALABEL, Sarangani (September 28, 2007) – Secretary Domingo Panganiban of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) held a day-long briefing for local officials Thursday (September 27) on the merits of NAPC's program "Enhancing Grassroots Development Framework for Local Governance."

"For the 'judicious use of scarce resources', we implemented the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) in the country's 36 provinces, each with its own unique mechanics of implementation," Panganiban said.

Panganiban said "CBMS is a tool to fight poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)."

"Sarangani has remained to be one of the top ten poorest provinces in the country," Governor Migs Dominguez noted.

"And again we begin to look more closely on how to address this by more effective delivery of social services such as health and water to our communities," the governor said.

Due to the urgent need for the program implementation, Dominguez urged the seven mayors of Sarangani, who were all present, for a 70-30 cost sharing of the P4 million cost estimate of CBMS first round of implementation.

CBMS Director Agnes Miranda explained that surveys of the Minimum Basic Needs (MBN) by the National Census and Statistics Board were not as detailed as that of CBMS.

"We do the survey per household and it is a complete enumeration of data using the 14-point core indicators," Miranda explained.

According to a NAPC briefer, "CBMS enhances the capacity of local governments in detecting and reducing poverty by promoting community participation, tapping the LGU personnel and community volunteers, use of pre-determined core indicators, complete enumeration of all households, and establishing databanks at all geopolitical levels."

CBMS provides technical support to the LGU on data collection, computer data processing, data validation, and preparation of socio-economic profiles and development plans.

The program has a fund support from the International Development Research Center (IDCC) in Ottawa, Canada through the Micro Impacts of Macroeconomic Adjustment Policies (MIMAP) Project of the Philippines.

NAPC officials said the implementation will undergo four-module activities: Data Collection, Data Encoding and Map Digitizing, Data Consolidation, and Plan Formulation to be monitored every three years.

The CBMS network, with international implementation throughout Asia and Africa, is under the Angelo King Institute for Economic and Business Studies of De La Salle University in Manila. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

KIAMBA, Sarangani (September 28, 2007) – A couple lets time pass by Thursday, September 27, at Lourdes Park where families and kids often play. The park is right at the heart of the town which faces the Celebes Sea. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (September 28, 2007) – Government employees of Sarangani Province and General Santos City cheer their co-workers Friday, September 28, as they take part in the closing program of the month-long celebration of the 107th Civil Service Commission foundation anniversary at the oval plaza of General Santos City. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

Reyes inspected Saturday the P31-million Environmental Conservationand Protection Center (ECPC) his department turned over to theprovince last August."This is a very, very big indication that we have confidence in theability of the governor and the provincial government," Reyes toldlocal leaders and employees.He lauded the governor's intention "to provide technical assistancenot only to government offices but also to private sectors who come inand give grants for specific researches.""It's a convergence area of efforts towards the same direction. This should be a template on how efforts can be done," said Reyes, whosevisit was timed for the province's November 24-27 celebration of its14th Foundation Day Anniversary.

The Capitol-based ECPC, known as the region's best research facility,boasts of a P1.6-million multi-parameter water quality monitoringequipment.The equipment, the only one in Region 12, was used for research byneighboring Davao del Sur province when a fish kill incident occurredin Balut Island that killed some 10 tons of fish last May."I would like to report to the secretary that we are finishing alsoour land use planning for the seven municipalities which has givengreater interest to effectively manage their forest resources togetherwith DENR and USAID Eco-Governance," Governor Dominguez said.Reyes urged local officials to maintain their concerted efforts andkeep up with their resourcefulness."Magaling kayo sa resource mobilization. You'll see, it pays to synchronize, cooperate and unify our efforts," the Secretary said.

According to the governor, the septage treatment facilities (STF)being built in the six coastal towns can be operational by the firstquarter next year.STF funding was P62M for Maitum, Kiamba-P69M, Maasim-P42M, Glan-P56M,Malapatan- P49.8M, and Alabel-P60.7M.The STF seeks to address the threat posed by environmental degradationdue to rapid population increase.The STF also aims to protect and conserve the coastal and marinehabitats, and resources found in Sarangani Bay and reduce thepollution in the coastal towns. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 27, 2006) – Students of Kawas National High School dance in synch with matching chants to win 1st place in the annual "Sayew d' Dalan" (street-dancing) contest Sunday in celebration of Sarangani's 14th Foundation Anniversary and Munato Festival at the capitol grounds, with the theme "Sarangani: Pure Adventure and Opportunity." (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Sec. Pangandaman represented the President as guest of honor during the opening program Friday of Sarangani's 14th Foundation Anniversary and Munato Festival with the theme "Sarangani: Pure Adventure and Opportunity."

Out of confidence in governance, externally-assisted projects - or those coming from foreign donors, national agencies, non-government agencies and private corporations – have been funding most of the agri-infrastructure and socio-economic projects in Sarangani.

The President also cited the national recognition achieved by the Municipality of Maitum through its anti-poverty innovation award from the United Nations Development Programme and Galing Pook Foundation " bilang isang mahusay na child-friendly town."

Maitum won the award a few weeks before Mayor George Yabes was gunned down in the poblacion. The President has tasked Governor Migs Dominguez to bring Mayor Yabes' killers to justice.

Earlier in the program, lone district Rep. Erwin Chiongbian said the people of Sarangani are celebrating "the vision and quest for a better future."

"The dream of one people for development is the binding spirit that carries on the torch we shall pass on from generation to generation," he said. "This occasion is our moment of unity. Now, more than ever, we must be strong to face challenges. We must not be afraid to lead the way," Chiongbian added. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 25, 2006) - Confidence in government haspoured in at least P1 billion external and local initiative funds forSarangani."Trust and confidence in government, and that is all," said FredoBasino, provincial planning and development coordinator.

The Provincial Steering Committee For Externally-Assisted Projects(PSCEAP) has recorded P506 million external funds coming from thevarious sectors this year.PSCEAP, chaired and co-chaired by Governor Migs Dominguez and ViceGovernor Bridget Chiongbian-Huang, respectively, was institutionalized"to provide information regarding the interventions of variousagencies and institutions for the socio-economic development ofSarangani Province.""Our continuous effective linkaging and networking with the differentinstitutions has made Sarangani a recipient of various externalassistance from the local and foreign-funding donors," GovernorDominguez noted.External funds' distribution ranges from environmental, agricultural,employment, technological advancement, livelihood and skillsdevelopment, health, infrastructure, and social welfare.The economic development sector has the biggest appropriation ofP329.134 million; P25.529 million for social development, P150.917million for infrastructure, and P1.339 million for developmentadministration.Under economic development, the Department of Agrarian Reform hasextended a total amount of P205.823 million for construction,rehabilitation, and improvement of farm-to-market roads province-wide.

The Support to Emergency and Livelihood Assistance Program of theDepartment of Agriculture has started implementing its P53 millionallocation for farm road projects.A PSCEAP report noted that this year's external investment is highercompared to the province's income.This year, the province has a P328 million Internal Revenue Allotment,according to Basino."We therefore need these funds and we are just happy to see they havemuch confidence.""For Governor Migs, our collaborative efforts have been highlycommendable having increased our external investments from P356million last year," commented Jelyn Apura, planning developmentofficer."As part of its local initiatives, the P65 million local fund for theannual investment plan was used to counterpart these externallyassisted investments, and augmented programs and projects of thecomponent municipalities," Apura said."This year is also the implementation of the P339.5 million SeptageTreatment Facility projects from Japan Bank for InternationalCooperation among the province's six coastal municipalities," Apura disclosed.

The local initiative fund has availed loan assistance from Land Bankof the Philippines for the purchase of heavy equipment worth P110million for the province's various infra projects.A deed of donation was signed between DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes andGovernor Dominguez last August for the turnover of the P31-millionbuilding and research facilities of the Environmental Conservation andProtection Center to the provincial government. (SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 25, 2006) – Pearl of Sarangani candidate and Mutya ng Malapatan Queenie Gagni, 17, acknowledges the crowd during the float parade Friday at the Capitol grounds for the 14th Foundation Anniversary and 2006 Munato Festival of the province, November 24-27, with the theme "Sarangani: Pure Adventure and Opportunity." Queenie, a 1st year nursing student, is vying with six other bets at the Search for Pearl of Sarangani on Sunday evening at the Capitol gym. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 25, 2006) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday expressed her condolences to the people of Maitum and tasked Governor Migs Dominguez to bring Mayor George Yabes' killers to justice.

Photo of the late Mayor George Y. Yabes of Maitum, Sarangani Province who was killed on November 11, 2006.He brought Maitum to a peaceful town they could call their home and initiated community based development efforts that have brought the town National Awards and International recognition as well.

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 24, 2006) – Tranquil life in a tribal village is seen at the Capitol grounds for the 14th FoundationA nniversary and 2006 Munato Festival of the province, November 24-27,with the theme "Sarangani: Pure Adventure and Opportunity." (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RIO)

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 24, 2006) – Weavers show their skills and art to the public at the School of Living Tradition demo-exhibit siteat the Capitol grounds for the 14th Foundation Anniversary and 2006 Munato Festival of the province, November 24-27, with the theme"Sarangani: Pure Adventure and Opportunity." (Photo by SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE/RIO)

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 24, 2006) – The Tagakaolo Performing Arts Group welcome visitors with a dance number during the opening program friday of the School of Living Tradition demo-exhibit site at theCapitol grounds for the 14th Foundation Anniversary and 2006 Munato Festival of the province, November 24-27, with the theme "Sarangani:Pure Adventure and Opportunity." (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/CAS)

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 24, 2006) – Tagakaolo performers take abreak during the opening program Friday of the School of Living Tradition demo-exhibit site at the Capitol grounds for the 14thFoundation Anniversary and 2006 Munato Festival of the province,November 24-27, with the theme "Sarangani: Pure Adventure and Opportunity." (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RIO)

ALBEL, Sarangani (November 24, 2006) – A Kulintangan cultural presentation highlights the opening program Friday of the School ofLiving Tradition demo-exhibit site at the Capitol grounds for the 14thFoundation Anniversary and 2006 Munato Festival of the province,November 24-27, with the theme "Sarangani: Pure Adventure and Opportunity." (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 24, 2005) – Weavers and basket-makersshowcase their skills and products at the tribal village inside theCapitol grounds Friday, the opening day of the 14th FoundationAnniversary and 2006 Munato Festival of the province, November 24-27,with the theme "Sarangani: Pure Adventure and Opportunity." (Photo bySARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 24, 2006) – The municipal float ofMalungon showcases local products with Pearl of Sarangani candidateFriday to open the 14th Foundation Anniversary and 2006 MunatoFestival of the province, November 24-27, with the theme "Sarangani:Pure Adventure and Opportunity." (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE/CAS)

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 24, 2006) – Women join students,government employees and municipal contingents as they "Walk for aCause" Friday to open the 14th Foundation Anniversary and 2006 Munato Festival of the province, November 24-27, with the theme "Sarangani:Pure Adventure and Opportunity." At least 3,000 participants joinedthe walk to raise funds for social welfare. (Photo by SARANGANIINFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Thursday, September 27, 2007

KIAMBA, Sarangani (September 26, 2007) - Vice Governor Steve Solon conveys a fatherly gesture to pupils after the launching of Food for School Program Wednesday, September 26, at the Kiamba Civic Center. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

KIAMBA, Sarangani (September 26, 2007) – A government employee inspects a catamaran sailboat found and retrieved by fishermen two weeks ago. The catamaran had a broken mast and abandoned 90 miles off Kiamba in the waters of Celebes Sea. It has body markings of "AE MAILE CV69". (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

GLAN, Sarangani (November 2, 2006) – Residents and visitors with Gov.Migs Dominguez (right) help out fishermen gather their catch ofanchovies Wednesday in barangay Lago, Glan. Fishermen around SaranganiBay have been getting abundant catch of anchovies, locally known aslupoy, for the past three weeks which they sell in the market. Coastal households also dry the fish or make them as fish paste (bagoong).(Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 29, 2006) – Gov. Migs Dominguez awards a school bag to a six year-old day care pupil while mayor George Yabes looks on at the culmination of the provincial children's month Thursday. Maitum, a national awardee as child-friendly municipality, was recently honored by the United Nations Development Program and the Galing Pook Foundation with a special citation on local capacity innovation for the Millennium Development Goals. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 29, 2006) – Gov. Migs Dominguez awards a school bag to a six year-old day care pupil while mayor George Yabes looks on at the culmination of the provincial children's month Thursday. Maitum, a national awardee as child-friendly municipality, was recently honored by the United Nations Development Program and the Galing Pook Foundation with a special citation on local capacity innovation for the Millennium Development Goals. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 29, 2006) – Delegations from Sarangani's six other municipalities celebrated children's month in Maitum, a United Nations Development Programme and Galing Pook Foundation awardee for anti-poverty and child rights initiatives.

Maitum was honored with a special citation on local capacity innovations for the Millennium Development Goals last October 16 in Marikina City.

Mayor George Yabes, who reported the achievements of the town for children this year, placed maternal and child health care on top of his list.

"We have zero maternal death for the past two years," Yabes said in his State of the Children Address.

"All households sustain the use of iodized salt since 2004, all children are immunized in 2005 and 100% sustained vitamin A and iron supplementation," the mayor said.

Yabes wanted a zero-malnutrition rate in his municipality.

"We made significant progress, but we still have a distance to go," Yabes said.

The mayor was hopeful that in spite of the continuous increase of social concerns, the municipal government could "do some more in this line of funding."

"This is a tall order but our commitments to children demand that every effort be made to reach all the children that we have," Yabes said.

Yabes also reported that the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children and the Katarungang Pambarangay system in his municipality were functional.

Maitum is also active in counseling children in conflict with law. This is implemented by parents and the guardians, the Philippine National Police through its child and women's desk and the social welfare office.

In 2004, Maitum won the National Award for Most Child-Friendly Municipality. In 2005, the town received an award from Galing Pook Foundation for its best practices in promoting child rights.

Maitum has got the children involved in environmental protection and conservation. 1,500 children have participated in the release of marine turtle hatchlings and planted 200 trees in barangay New La Union. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 29, 2006) - Local officials led by Mayor George Yabes laud the turnover of the P1.040-M check by Gov. Migs Dominguez for the purchase of a fire truck and budget for their crisis center during the culmination of the provincial children's month Thursday. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

KIAMBA, Sarangani (October 29, 2006) – Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (2nd from right) turns over boxes of anti-filariasis medicines to Governor Migs Dominguez (middle) Thursday at the kickoff activity of the Regional Filariasis Elimination Campaign as part of the mass drug administration program of the DOH. They are joined by (from left) Alabel Mayor Narciso Grafilo Jr., Kiamba Mayor Raul Martinez, and Abdullah Dumama, regional director of the Center for Health and Development. The drugs to combat filariasis - diethylcarbamazine citrate and albendazole – came from GlaxoSmithKline. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

Health officials said a yearly administration of one tablet each given for five years is the preferred course of treatment. The drugs are given to members of the population of a filariasis-prone area whether they show symptoms or not.

Dr. Rahman Velayudhan of the World Health Organization said the "main effort" is to increase the coverage of mass drug administration from the present 60% to 85%.

"We would like to achieve 80-85% and to get higher average of people taking the tablet for four to five years so you will be free of filariasis," Velayudhan said.

Kiamba Vice Mayor Jocelyn Dalman said the Department of Health's (DOH) filariasis elimination campaign here is an opportunity to address the six percent of her town's population who are affected with filariasis.

"We have to act on this as early as possible. Through this number, the DOH was able to look into it," Dalman said.

Governor Migs Dominguez emphasized the importance of partnership in the nationwide campaign against filariasis.

"We must always be ready to accept partnerships up from the national level para mapangalagaan at mas maganda ang future ng mga bata natin," the governor said.

"Kung ang kalusugan ay mahina, then we cannot expect much from the children when they grow up," Dominguez said. " Kasama sa priority natin in investing in human capital together with good health to create better children as future leaders." (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 29, 2006) – Gov. Migs Dominguez delivers his "State of My Children Address" Thursday in Maitum, the country's most child-friendly municipality. Departing from tradition, the 29-year old governor delivered the annual State of the Children Address in a municipality instead of the Capitol premises. The core of Gov. Dominguez's speech before local officials, parents, students and children was: "No child will be left out." (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

This was the core of Gov. Migs Dominguez's speech before local officials, parents, students and children Thursday.

Departing from tradition, the 29-year old governor delivered the annual State of the Children Address in a municipality instead of the Capitol premises.

"Ang tawag ko dito is 'State of My Children Address' in Sarangani being the father of the province," Dominguez told the crowd.

"Importante na maalala natin na we are actually in the state of calamity for the future of our children especially in education," the governor said. "However, we are all doing our part in providing a better future for our children in Sarangani Province as a whole."

Dominguez noted that Maitum has stood up to become "a model of success and exemplary performance" in its child rights movement.

"Dapat tayong lahat ay gawing benchmark ang mga successes ng Maitum. This is a challenge I will give to all of you," Dominguez said.

He told local leaders to provide the direction and for constituents to believe in the "vision of our leaders and work toward the fulfillment of that vision."

"The effects will not be seen today, but we will see that in the future generations to come," Dominguez said.

The governor said the children-focused welfare codes and development plans for each municipality, knowledge center, tracking systems and the state of the children address are "four beautiful gifts" for children.

He said his administration and the mayors "are trying to eradicate hunger and eliminate poverty by all means."

He pointed out the importance of ownership as part of people empowerment."We have seen that empowering communities have created synergy. Kahit hindi elected, people can participate in government," Dominguez added. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

KIAMBA, Sarangani (October 29, 2006) – Health Secretary Francisco Duque III is escorted by Gov. Migs Dominguez during the kick off activity of the Regional Filariasis Elimination Campaign Thursday to start the mass drug administration program of the DOH. The Secretary also called for intensified campaign to prevent common diseases through vaccination. These vaccine-preventable diseases are polio, measles, DPT (diphtheria, pertusis, tetanus), rabies, and hepatitis. ( Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

KIAMBA, Sarangani (October 29, 2006) – Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has called for the cooperation and intensified campaign among local leaders to prevent common diseases through vaccination.

"It is my ardent duty to remind our local chief executives to make sure that we protect our children from these vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio, especially that there is a polio outbreak in Indonesia which is very near to our place, measles, DPT (diphtheria, pertusis, tetanus), rabies, and hepatitis," the health secretary said.

Duque issued the call Thursday at the kick off of the Regional Filariasis Elimination Campaign before thousands of residents.

Undersecretary Ethelyn Nieto said Duque wants to make Sarangani disease-free.

Governor Migs Dominguez welcomed the "partnership" with the Department of Health and urged local officials and residents to heed the nationwide campaign against preventable diseases.

Duque also signed a memorandum of agreement with Dominguez, and Philhealth executive Ramon Aristoza for 859 Philhealth program beneficiaries covering indigent residents of Kiamba, police cooperative members, and community health workers. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

To reach the area from the national highway, it takes almost two hours, 14 river crossings and numerous climbs for a vintage weapons carrier.

The dirt road partly becomes a waterway during rainy days.

Governor Migs Dominguez and Major General Ernesto Boac, commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, flew in by chopper Wednesday for the groundbreaking ceremony of the P9.6-million Kinam-Sapu Masla farm-to-market road.

When completed, travel time would reduce to 20 minutes with a new 17-km. route.

The new road project, 20% of which is co-funded by the provincial and municipal government units, is a grant under the Support to Emergency and Livelihood Assistance Program of the Department of Agriculture.

"This is the first time that elected officials visited us more than once. We can really see that they are sincere in their development efforts," said barangay captain Toting Maguan.

Maguan said the groundbreaking ceremony was an anticipated event in barangay Kinam.

96% of the 5,000 population is composed of indigenous people who belong to the B'laan tribe.

"I won't lose hope with the people of Kinam. Until there is hope in their eyes, I will continue to bring in development in this barangay," said Gov. Dominguez.

The governor initiated social and medical services to Kinam last year, setting off regular visits for free check-up and free medicines, free tooth extraction, circumcision, malaria test and blood typing.

"We can do a lot of things if we are always united. Let us convince our friends that the era of armed rebellion is over. We have a new rebellion and that is against poverty," the governor told residents.

Until late last year, Kinam was a former rebel-stronghold. However, peace and development efforts have led to the surrender of more than a hundred New People's Army militia.

With its vast fertile lands, the barangay has slowly transformed itself into a potential agri-investment area.

MGen. Boac said he was "very impressed with the people of Kinam. I have seen the unity of the people in supporting government projects."

Vice Governor Bridget Chiongbian-Huang also distributed PhilHealth cards to the indigent population of the barangay.

"We are really serious in bringing in development here in Kinam," she said.

A three-classroom building donated by KALAHI-CIDSS is under construction. The KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services) is President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's flagship socio-economic program and funded by the World Bank.

Meanwhile, Malapatan Mayor Alfonso Singcoy bared that a campaign against loose firearms in the barangay has started with the "Balik Baril Program."

"This will be a big help in our peace efforts," said Mayor Singcoy. The "Balik Baril Program" has a corresponding amount for every gun turned-over to the government. The owner of the firearms also has the option to register their weapons to the proper government agencies. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 27, 2006) – Gov. Migs Dominguez and Vice Governor Bridget Chiongbian-Huang lead residents, military and local officials in the groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday of the P9.6-million Kinam farm-to-market road. The project, 20% of which is co-funded by the provincial and municipal government units, is a grant under the Support to Emergency and Livelihood Assistance Program of the Department of Agriculture. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/ATS)

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 27, 2006) – Gov. Migs Dominguez and Major General Ernesto Boac, commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, arrive in barangay Kinam Wednesday for the groundbreaking ceremony of the P9.6-million Sapu Masla-Kinam farm-to-market. Until late last year, Kinam was a former rebel-stronghold. However, peace and development efforts have led to the surrender of more than a hundred New People's Army militia. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 27, 2006) – Local and military officials assist Vice Governor Bridget Chiongbian-Huang in the distribution of PhilHealth cards to the indigent population of barangay Kinam Wednesday. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/ATS)

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 27, 2006) - Gov. Migs Dominguez and Major General Ernesto Boac, commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, inspect Wednesday the three-classroom building donated by KALAHI-CIDSS which is under construction. The KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services) is President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's flagship socio-economic program and funded by the World Bank. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 23, 2006) – Some 500 scouts from Sarangani, South Cotabato and Koronadal City join the tree-planting Sunday in the rolling hills of Tahakayo, barangay Amsipit – 10 km. from the poblacion and 600 feet above sea level - as part of their eco-camping. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 23, 2006) – Some 500 scouts from Sarangani, South Cotabato and Koronadal City join the tree-planting Sunday in the rolling hills of Tahakayo, barangay Amsipit – 10 km. from the poblacion and 600 feet above sea level - as part of their eco-camping. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

MAASIM, Sarangani (October 23, 2006) – Some 500 scouts from Sarangani, South Cotabato and Koronadal City join the tree-planting Sunday in the rolling hills of Tahakayo, barangay Amsipit – 10 km. from the poblacion and 600 feet above sea level - as part of their eco-camping. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/CAS)

“It was fun, exciting though a little bit tiring. However, I know I have done my share in protecting and preserving the environment,” said Ruthzell Octavio of Polomolok National High School .

Octavio, a 15-year old Roverette Scout, joined her schoolmates in the tree-planting at Tahakayo, barangay Amsipit, a former strife-torn area.

“May konting adventure. And I love the view you will see going to this place,” Octavio added.

As the tree-planting went on, 2,500 Jamborette participants joined the coastal clean-up Sunday in the shorelines of Maasim.

The scouts were participants of the five-day 2006 Scout Jamborette and Eco-Camp in Maasim. The Jamborette attracted 3,000 participants from the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato and the City of Koronadal .

Gov. Migs Dominguez and Mayor Jojo Lopez joined the scouts in the tree-planting.

“I am extending my gratitude to all those who planted trees today. You have extended a great help to the people of Maasim and Sarangani,” Mayor Lopez told the scouts.

“I have learned a lot in this activity. It is such a nice feeling to know that you have done something good for mother earth,” said 15 year-old Jenlyn Magbanua, a Roverette also from Polomolok.

Sitio Tahakayo is a former conflict-area between the government and lawless elements. The place was able to transform itself into what is now known as the “From Arms to Farms” program area.

Pineapple giant Dole Philippines has already started its pineapple plantation in the area with almost a thousand hectares already planted.

Dole is planning to expand to 3,000 hectares in the near term. It was also set to plant strawberries and blueberries in Amsipit.

“We have seen efforts from the different sectors of society in caring for our environment. Hopefully this will send a strong signal to our people that preserving and protecting the environment is a paramount concern,” Gov. Dominguez said.

The Jamborette started Saturday and will end on October 25. On June 19, 500 students also planted trees here. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 21, 2006) – The United Nations Development Programme and Galing Pook Foundation have conferred Maitum with a special citation on local capacity innovations for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Maitum was honored "for continually demonstrating, expanding, and instituting capacity development approaches and innovations to the attainment of the MDGs."

"The efforts of the local government represent varying modalities, strides, and achievements of MDG localization in the Philippines ," according to the citation. It was signed by Dr. Milwida Guevara, chairperson of Galing Pook Foundation.

The MDGs are a set of eight time-bound, concrete and specific targets aimed at significantly reducing, if not decisively eradicating poverty, by the year 2015.

In September 2000, 189 UN member-countries reaffirmed their commitment to peace and security, good governance, and attention to the most vulnerable with the adoption of the Millennium Declaration.

On Maitum's major gains, an awards program handout disclosed that based on the monitoring system implemented by the community from 2000 to 2005, there was a 21% reduction in the number of people living in extreme poverty in the municipality; a 73% reduction of people with no access to safe drinking water; and a 65.5 reduction of households with no sanitary toilets.

Malnutrition dropped from 27% in 2000 to only 13% in 2005. A 22% decrease in maternal mortality rate and a 69% decrease in under-five mortality rate were recorded. A 52% increase in access to reproductive health services was likewise recorded.

Mayor George Yabes received the award on October 16 in Marikina City. The awards ceremony also marked the international campaign by the United Nations called "Stand Up Against Poverty."

Only nine other towns and cities from all over the country received the award. The awardees were selected from previous winners of the Gawad Galing Pook, an annual nationwide awards program recognizing local government practices.

With the award, Yabes challenged his constituents and local officials to "sustain these initiatives and fully understand them"

"Our efforts were recognized," the mayor said. "We were able to showcase our good practices."

Yabes, who is on his last term as mayor, reiterated that the community should "help sustain these initiatives."

Stakeholders who implemented and documented Maitum's innovations include municipal offices, the Department of Education, religious sector, business sector and non-government organizations. "We are proud. We worked hard for it," said a statement from the Municipal Information Office. "We made it despite meager resources." (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MAITUM, Sarangani (October 21, 2006) – Mayor George Yabes shows the award from the United Nations Development Programme and Galing Pook Foundation conferring Maitum a special citation on local capacity innovations for the Millennium Development Goals. Mayor Yabes received the award on October 16 in Marikina City. The awards ceremony also marked the international campaign by the United Nations called "Stand Up Against Poverty." (Photo by MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 21, 2006) – School pupils listen to Gov. Migs Dominguez during the groundbreaking rites for the 3.5-km. farm to market road in barangay Sapu Masla Friday. The governor told residents to maintain peace for development to prosper as foundation to benefit the next generations. The program coincides with the celebration of Children's Month. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 21, 2006) - The rehabilitation of the 3.5-km. Malaygang farm-to-market road in barangay Sapu Masla opens with the unveiling of billboard Friday by (from left) Mayor Alfonso Singcoy, Gov. Migs Dominguez and barangay captain Jimen Sambaga (extreme right). The project is co-funded by the Asian Development Bank with P4.413 million, P1.381 million from the local government, and P476,824 from the Department of Agrarian Reform. (Photo by SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (October 21, 2006) – Co-funding by national agencies and the local government has repaired 14 km. of vital farm-to-market (FMR) roads here, with additional 3.5 km. started in barangay Sapu Masla Friday.

The roads lead to production areas for rice and corn.

Malapatan has received “more than P20 million worth of projects through outsourcing of funds dahil sa credibility na inyong ipinapakita,” Gov. Migs Dominguez told local officials and residents Friday at the groundbreaking rites of the P6.27-million Malaygang FMR in barangay Sapu Masla.

For the new project, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) granted P4.413 million, the local government shared P1.381 million and P476,824 came from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Mayor Alfonso Singcoy said local officials were happy with DAR and ADB “for giving us these projects. The projects were very well implemented.”

Barangay Captain Jimen Sambaga said the repaired roads have been giving farmers more access to their market. Felix Colarines, rural infrastructure engineer, thanked the local government and the community for their support to agrarian reform communities. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Visit Sarangani

Kalilangan Gensan 2015

About Me

A former employee of Sarangani Province managing the Indigenous Peoples Development Program.
This blog is a compilation and online archiving of photonews/updates from the Provincial Information Office.
Sarangani Province is the new frontier of agri-eco-cultural development in southern Mindanao,Philippines!

SOCSARGEN Map

South Cotabato, Sarangani, General Santos City in the southern island of Mindanao, Philippines.

Photo Property Rights

Permission for the usage of Sarangani photos for whatsoever purposes must be coordinated with the Provincial Information Office thru Mr. Serafin N. Ramos Jr. (63-83-508-2172 or e-mail at sarangani.pio@gmail.com)